CSC Generation
Acquires and revitalizes retail brands
Chef Instructor - Pastry
About the job
- Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of employment.
- One to two years of kitchen operations experience is required.
- A valid Food Manager Certification is required.
- Candidates must be able to communicate verbally and work cooperatively with associates and customers.
- Candidates must be able to remain standing for up to four hours at a time.
- Candidates must be able to move throughout the store while directing class participants, selling to customers, and retrieving merchandise.
- Candidates must be able to perceive and differentiate variations in flavors and odors and identify specific tastes or scents.
- Candidates must be able to grab, reach, push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch to demonstrate techniques and retrieve or replenish merchandise and cooking equipment.
- Candidates must be able to use their hands to chop, whisk, slice, stir, juice, and demonstrate other cooking techniques.
- Candidates must be able to lift or move merchandise weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Candidates must be able to ascend and descend ladders to retrieve or move merchandise.
- Candidates must be able to operate a computer, point-of-sale system, keyboard, merchandise scanners, and mouse.
- Candidates must be available to work 12 to 16 hours per week, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with flexibility based on business needs.
- Regular and predictable attendance is required, with flexibility to adjust class assignments based on demand.
- Candidates must be able to work in a variable kitchen environment involving open flames, hot surfaces, temperature variations, and physical or airborne food allergens.
- Represent the company brand and culture by creating memorable, educational experiences that inspire repeat visits and customer loyalty.
- Deliver in-store pastry and baking classes that follow provided recipes and game plans for consistency and quality.
- Communicate technical concepts and advanced pastry skills clearly, encouragingly, and accessibly.
- Maintain product expertise by staying current on products, participating in available training, and independently seeking additional resources.
- Drive sales by upholding kitchen standards, encouraging second-class sign-ups, and promoting retail items used or featured in class.
- Deliver class revenue goals through high enrollment, positive reviews, and guest return rates.
- Meet culinary program goals through classes that drive customer engagement and sales.
- Set up and break down classes, including organizing mise en place, preparing ingredients, and cleaning workstations.
- Clean and sanitize dishes and equipment promptly.
- Restock, organize, and maintain kitchen supplies and tools.
- Ensure compliance with food safety standards, local health codes, and sanitation regulations.
- Handle tools, ingredients, and kitchen equipment properly to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
- Maintain accurate inventory levels, minimize shrink, and control supply and culinary expenses.
- Handle liquor, wine, and beer in compliance with applicable alcohol regulations and company policies, including enforcing age restrictions, when required.
- Ensure store safety and cleanliness and promptly address maintenance needs.
- Adhere to applicable wage and hour laws and accurately record time worked according to company policy.
- Follow company policies and standard operating procedures consistently.
- A degree in culinary arts is preferred, although extensive culinary experience and demonstrated technical proficiency may substitute for formal education.
- Passion for community engagement and providing exceptional customer experiences.
About the company
CSC Generation acquires underperforming retail brands and grows them into profitable ventures by integrating them into its shared operating platform. It operates across retail, e-commerce, and wholesale, leveraging technology, skilled staff, efficient processes, and scalable operations to optimize product sourcing, marketing, fulfillment, and customer experience. Its portfolio includes brands like DirectBuy, One Kings Lane, Sur La Table, Touch of Modern, and Cherry Man Industries, collectively offering over 325,000 products and attracting about 10 million monthly page views. The company differentiates itself by targeting “unsexy” opportunities others overlook and by applying its centralized platform to turn around and scale these brands into sustainable revenue generators. Its goal is steady growth and profitability by transforming underperforming brands into thriving parts of its portfolio, serving a wide range of consumers and business clients.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
Series E
Total Funding
$107.6M
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Founded
2016
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- CSC says 2026 revenue exceeded $1 billion across 13 brands.
- It added Backcountry in September 2024, expanding into outdoor recreation.
- Backcountry launched a 2026 brand incubator, showing acquisition-led growth momentum.
What critics are saying
- Indeed reviews in 2026 cite low pay, burnout, and constant layoffs.
- Headcount fell to 2,836 in March 2026, signaling continued operating pressure.
- Backcountry CEO Melanie Cox left in January 2025, exposing integration and retention risk.
What makes CSC Generation unique
- CSC Generation uses Genesis, a shared AI-enabled operating platform across 13 brands.
- It buys distressed retailers like Backcountry, Sur La Table, and One Kings Lane.
- It monetizes turnaround expertise, not standalone software, across home and outdoor verticals.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
401(k) Company Match
Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
Life Insurance
Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation
Pet Insurance
Employee Discounts
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 13%1 year growth
↑ 13%2 year growth
↑ 12%Backcountry.com, the Utah outdoor brand known for its goat logo and semi-annual sales at its West Valley City warehouse, has sold to investment firm CSG Generation, according to a report from Pulse Ratings, Inc.
CSC Generation Enterprise acquires Backcountry, expanding its portfolio of consumer-centric brands.
CSC acquired the company from TSG Consumer Partners, which acquired the business in July 2015.
In October, global employment nonprofit Generation, in partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), released a report entitled The Midcareer Opportunity: Meeting the Challenges of an Ageing Workforce.
CSC Generation had purchased the intellectual property through The Bon-Ton Stores Inc.’s bankruptcy proceedings.